Outdoor Rabbit Housing

Unfortunately most hutches supplied by pet shops are not

suitable as their sole accommodation.

Rabbits need room to be able to stand on their hind

legs and stretch out.... all the natural behaviours they need

to express. Small hutches can cause a number of problems,

behavioural and health wise. There are loads of alternative

ideas out there now.

 

Rabbits need lots of safe space to exercise in. For this reason we suggest a large hutch or shed with an enclosed/secure exercise run attached which they have permanent access to so that the rabbits can decide when they want to shelter, and when to play. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk - they’re 'crepuscular' - so lifting them from hutch to run for a few hours in the daytime just doesn’t suit their body clocks and instincts. This can lead to frustration and aggression. In addition to their hutch/shed and run they would really enjoy free run of the garden when supervised (or rabbit proofed parts of the house). 

 

Size:

The RWAF recommend a hutch no smaller than 6ft x 2ft x2ft, with an attached exercise run of 8ft long, 6ft wide and 3ft tall. This sounds very large in contrast to what they used to live in but this is the space they need to be able to display natural behaviours. Rabbits were first domesticated for meat, they are now pets and we need to reach their minimum requirements which means we must try our best to provide them with an environment as natural and as close as possible to match their needs.

 

Location:

The rabbits' exercise run can be located on concrete, slabs, decking or on grass. Rabbits whose exercise run is on a lawn will enjoy access to grass every day, which is great for their teeth and digestive systems and will keep them busy. But be aware that unless you take appropriate precautions, they are likely to dig their way out which could put them at risk from predators. So, if you have your run on grass either make sure you move it regularly, fit a wire-mesh skirt or set paving slabs around the perimeter to make it more difficult for your rabbits to tunnel out or a predator to tunnel in!

 

The exercise enclosure must be secure it has to keep out foxes and other predators so the mesh and bolts must be of a good quality. Go for welded mesh of a heavy gauge, not chicken wire, which they can bite through. The gauging system for thickness of wire means the lower the number, the thicker the wire; 16g (1.2mm) is the minimum we recommend but 12g is even better. Ensure that the wire is properly fixed to the wood if you use a wooden frame. If it’s a single layer of wire it is safer to be attached on the inside of the run rather than the outside (The staples that hold the wire to the wood must be as strong as possible so go for the sturdiest you can find.) 

On a metal frame make sure the mesh is securely fastened to the frame.

The size of the holes in the wire is also important; 13mm is perfect, but most commercially produced enclosures will have a 25mm gap. This will keep out foxes and rats but not smaller predators such as ferrets, stoats and weasels. Don't rely on simple bolts or catches to secure the opening to a run as many animals can work out how to open them; it's best to use a bolt you can padlock.

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Be aware that some exercise runs have caused death or injury to rabbits who have got their heads stuck in the mesh and / or gaps. Always read the reviews and remember rabbits can get through smaller gaps than we think they can!

If you are interested in adopting a bunny from us we always ask for photos of the accommodation you will be offering so please ensure your accommodation is suitable. It is always worth contacting us before choosing your housing for the bunnies. Please see some examples below and click on the links for more ideas.